Posts Tagged ‘chocolate’

The Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) presents Chocolate: The Exhibition February 8 through June 1, 2014
From the tropical rainforest of ancient Maya, 16th century Europe, the Industrial Revolution, to the present day-the world has had a long love affair with chocolate. Throughout history, chocolate has been used in royal and religious ceremonies, as currency, a drink for the wealthy, a sweet treat for the masses, and a global commodity… “you’ll explore the plant, the products, and the culture of chocolate through the lenses of science, history, and popular culture”.

Throughout this exhibit, the Museum will be hosting a variety of events for adults and families!Highlights of the Exhibition:Tropical Rainforest. Enter a lush, tropical rainforest and examine a replica of a cacao tree with its seed pods, the source of chocolate. Learn about the complex ecosystem that supports the healthy growth of this remarkable plant.
The Ancient Maya. See how scientists traced the origins of chocolate consumption to the ancient Maya, who are the first people known to turn the bitter seeds into a spicy drink for use in royal and religious ceremonies.The Aztec. Explore an interactive Aztec marketplace, where valuable cacao seeds were used as money, to learn the purchasing power of a handful of beans.Chocolate Comes to Europe. The Spanish conquest of the Americas introduced chocolate to Europe. Learn what happened when chocolate first met sugar. See how the wealthiest consumers satisfied their chocolate cravings.Chocolate Manufacturing. Take a look at the sweet side of the Industrial Revolution—the steady stream of new inventions and creative advertising that brought chocolate bars to the masses.Chocolate as a Global Commodity. Who grows cacao? Which country consumes the most chocolate? Explore the relationship between cacao production and trade across the world. Trace its ups and downs in the world market, and see how cacao is grown by farmers today.

Did you know?? Utah is the home of America’s oldest known chocolate. New research suggests Ancestral Puebloan people living in a village near Blanding, Utah were consuming chocolate as early as 750 AD. Don’t miss the chance to see pottery with the earliest evidence of chocolate discovered in the United States.Special events:Chocolate: the Exhibition – Opening weekend February 8 10 AM in the special exhibits gallery
Chocolate tastings in the special exhibits gallery
• Hands-on activities for all ages—cocoa grinding, residue tests, and more!
• Chocolate experts on hand sharing their knowledge of the plant, the products, and the culture of chocolate.Nothing Like Chocolate February 11, 7 PM at the SLC City Library – Film on the global chocolate industryWednesday Chocolate Tasting Wednesday, February 12, 2014 – 7:00pm
Taste different kinds of chocolate, learn about the process of making chocolate, and discover Utah’s amazing chocolate scene.Chocolate: The Event February 14 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM presented by Harmons and the Natural History Museum of Utah
Harmons City Creek 135 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, UT is the site of this event. A Valentines Day indulgence…
Included will be six courses of chocolate, both savory and sweet, each paired with specially selected wines. The event will be preceded by a cocktail party featuring chocolate cocktails and local beers provide by Shades of Pale. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased through Harmons.
*All proceeds will be donated to the Natural History Museum of Utah.Presidents’ Day Weekend Celebration: Feb. 15, 16, & 17 12:00-4:00
Featured activities:
• Dance performances by the University of Utah Department of Modern Dance
• Chocolate experts on hand sharing their knowledge of the plant, the products, and the culture of chocolate.

Utah’s Chocolate Story Past & Present…Anthropology Collections Manager describes the prehistory of Chocolate, its use in the Mayan area The chocolate story is centuries old. Anthropology Collections Manager Glenna Nielsen-Grimm describes the prehistory of chocolate, its use in the Maya area, and the latest research which suggests Ancestral Puebloan people living in a village near Blanding, Utah were consuming chocolate as early as 750 AD.
Internationally recognized chocolate expert, Matt Caputo, tells the story of Utah’s recent surge to the forefront of the worldwide chocolate community. Utah is quickly becoming the epicenter of a culture connoisseurship involving chocolate that can fetch up to $180 a pound.
Check back with the Museum often to find upcoming special events.
The Natural History Museum of Utah/ Rio Tinto Center is located at 301 Wakara Way, SLC
Chocolate and its national tour were developed by The Field Museum, Chicago.

Are you looking for a different WINTER time activity in northern Utah?

Most folks are familiar with the famous Raspberry Days Festival held each year in August…

Well, here is a festival to satisfy those winter cavings. Located near Bear Lake, the “Caribbean of the Rockies”, the event is less than an hour’s drive from Logan on Scenic Highway #89 through the spectacular Logan Canyon.

The event takes place Friday February 15, 2013 from 3-7 PM and February 16, 2013 from 10 AM to 7 PM

The Garden City Town Hall will host the event which features local sweets, treats, and artists.